Certain changes in our familiar worlds creep up on us, insinuating themselves into our lives. We remain partially aware until a further nudge stimulates realisation that something has altered. I like petrol engines. I am in harmony with their urgent dynamics, impatient if you like. However, European tastes in car engines have altered. The diesel engine has arrived in the upper echelons of family and executive saloons. I have had to re-evaluate my attitudes and feelings towards an engine that I subconsciously identified with commercial vehicles.
While I enjoyed that extra torque associated with diesel units, noise and short span of power curve detracted. Now there is change. Driving the Audi A4 1.9 TDI has been an impressive experience. The light accelerator pedal combined with lusty torque was startling in effect. Relearning to catch the optimum torque surges in short bursts between rapid gear changes challenged. However there is a bonus. The 1.9 TDI engine promotes a pleasantly relaxed style of driving. Depress the accelerator pedal at any speed, in any gear, and that extra surge is there whether in city traffic or on the motorway. It promoted a new placidity of driving style. I permitted the flexible diesel unit to do the work.
The diesel sounds do not intrude. Engine vibrations are not transmitted through the pedals or gear lever. Noise suppression generally is excellent. I opened a door with the engine running. The assault of diesel clatter demonstrated the remarkable effectiveness of sound insulation overall.
The new styling of the A4 has moved the car into a higher plane of visual pleasure. The car has a new purposeful look and a more dynamic stance. The car is longer, wider and lighter. The rear is much improved. The muscular shoulders of the body panels about and over the rear wheels add character. The high tailed subtle forward and downward slope of the body suggests a poised urgency. The design of the alloy wheels is particularly apt. The generous boot is a useful asset.
The car is quiet and the sound system excellent. The comforts of the interior, superb fit and finish, reassuring seats, furnishings, air conditioning, ergonomics and the tactile pleasure of the steering wheel rim contribute a note of luxury. The sound system controls did not tax an intellect conditioned by a discarded technology.
The clear glass headlamps elegantly set off the tasteful new radiator grille. At night-time the headlamps impressed delivering excellence illumination.
The ride reflects the geographical origins of the car. Its excellence at cruising speeds on motorways and on well-surfaced primary routes is undoubted. However, certain testing surfaces of evaluation routes ruffled its composure somewhat, but never disturbingly. My reaction to the car’s handling in all circumstances was positive. It’s very much improved. Certainly, the new rear suspension of trapezoidal multilink layout, replacing the old torsion beam, is markedly effective. Price at the end of May was IR£28,910, ex works (+IR£550 metallic). Fine car.
June 2001
by Malachy Walsh